For starters, her emotions are pure. She loves me every time I come home, and she’s deeply protective when she hears an intruder on our property. She is content with her own existence, and boy, can she teach me a thing or two about taking naps on a moment’s notice. Like all dogs, she is mindful—the present moment personified, with no regrets of the past or anxiety about the future.

Jamie also knows how to play with my heartstrings. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre wrote about “The Look” in his “Being and Nothingness,” suggesting that the look on one person’s face can have a contagious effect on others. And so it is with my dog. Her sweet, soulful eyes, that innocent tail-wagging, the nudge of my leg with her wet nose—she knows I will always love her, even after she has ripped into our groceries and stolen the chicken we’re having for dinner. She helps me to feel the depth of my heart’s affection. On a good day, she is my mirror.

And on my bad days, she will still wag her tail just the same, eager for a walk, a cuddle, or a belly rub. You see, unlike some of my human counterparts, Jamie is not a judger. She loves me unconditionally.

She is not just my friend and loyal companion but a wise master of how to live a better life. I am grateful just thinking about her, which is my cue to take her for a long walk on the beach.

Who are the furry (and not so furry) gurus in your life, helping you live a more joyous, connected, and meaningful second half of life?

I hope you’ll enjoy this short video of Jamie and me chatting on the beach.